For 2011 we are bringing back one of Coda’s most popular programs—an in-depth visit to Budapest and Prague, the two crown jewels of Central Europe. With this itinerary we deliver what all travelers to Prague and Budapest long for—time. We’ve scheduled three nights in Budapest and three nights in Prague so you can explore these extraordinary cities at your own pace. You’ll find that Budapest and Prague are Europe’s most exotic capitals. Centuries of contact with the empires of Byzantium, Russia, and Turkey have given these cities a unique atmosphere that is not quite Eastern, but is definitely not entirely Western either. You can especially sense the difference on moonlit nights when every street, every bridge, every city square is redolent with an air of mystery and romance. Our itinerary takes you to the sites every traveler longs to see. Buda’s majestic Castle District and Pest’s grand State Opera. Prague’s architecturally eclectic Old Town and the inspiring Jewish Quarter. You can shop for Hungarian lace and Bohemian crystal, spend a languid afternoon at Budapest’s Gellert Thermal Baths, or indulge your taste for rich desserts in the cafes of Prague. In addition, we are pleased to offer you an optional three-night extension in Vienna where you can experience for yourself the imperial splendor of the Habsburgs and trace Mozart’s career.

Day 1 -thu jun 9 - Depart the USA
Depart the USA on a regularly scheduled flight to Budapest, Hungary.

Day 2 -fri jun 10 - Arrive Budapest
Arrive Budapest this morning and transfer to the Corinthia Hotel Budapest. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey or to introduce yourself to this lovely city. This evening, join fellow travelers for dinner at a trendy restaurant.
Corinthia Hotel
Room Standard
Meal Dinner

Day 3 -sat jun 11 - Budapest tour of Pest
Following breakfast, A morning sightseeing tour is through Pest, sprawling along the eastern banks of the river. See the impressive Parliament buildings, State Opera, the city's embassy district, city park and Andrassy Avenue; walk through historic Heroes' Square. The afternoon is free for further explorations on your own. Visit the local covered market to find paprika and embroidery, or stroll along nearby Vaci Street to window shop and sample the delights of a local coffeehouse. Tonight you may wish to attend a performance of opera or theater.
Corinthia Hotel
Room Standard
Meal Breakfast

Day 4 -sun jun 12 - Budapest tour of Buda
The Castle District of Buda, with cobblestone streets and lanes, sits on a hilltop overlooking the Danube's western bank. Visit Gothic Matthias Church, where the final two Hungarian kings were crowned. See Fisherman's Bastion, an amazing assemblage of architectural styles. Enjoy a magnificent bird's-eye view of the city from the heights of Gellert Hill. The afternoon is at leisure. Visit the famous Gellert Thermal Baths, hot springs that have supplied curative baths for nearly 2000 years or stroll through the Ludwig Museum in Buda Castle, where paintings from Picasso to Lichtenstein are on display.
Corinthia Hotel
Room Standard
Meal Breakfast

Day 5 -mon jun 13 - 1st Class Train from Budapest to PRAGUE
After breakfast, transfer to the train station for the train to Prague. Upon arrival, transfer to the Hotel Josef. Afternoon at leisure.
Hotel Josef
Room Standard
Meal Breakfast

Day 6 -tue jun 14 - Prague for city tour
Following breakfast, visit Hradcany, the Castle Quarter, where magnificent palaces, museums and monasteries surround the 1000-year-old castle. This has been the country's center of political and religious power for centuries; the transition lives on today. Tour through the courtyards and historic halls of this impressive complex. Visit the towering St. Vitus' Cathedral, the country's largest, begun 600 years ago and not completed until 1929. Stop for lunch at popular restaurant. The evening is free to discover Prague's stimulating nightlife.
Hotel Josef
Room Standard
Meal Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 -wed jun 15 - Prague Castle quarter tour
Take a guided walk to the fairytale-like Old Town and admire the famous astronomical clock. Continue to Prague's Jewish Quarter. Visit the weathered cemetery and the inspiring Old-New Synagogue, one of the most important Jewish sites in Europe. The ornate Charles Bridge links the Old Town to the Castle Quarter. Stroll along this pedestrian bridge where painters, artists, students and vendors create a lively scene. By special arrangement, we will see the work of a famous Czech photographer whose work highlights the male form (pending confirmation.) Tonight we dine at one of Prague's many fine restaurants.
Hotel Josef
Room Standard
Meal Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8- thu jun 16 - Depart for USA
Transfer to the airport this morning for your return flight to the USA.
Meal Breakfast

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
No visa is required for American or Canadian passport holders. Travelers of other nationalities should check with the appropriate Consulate or Embassy for requirements.

SHOTS
None required or recommended. It is recommended you have your regular vaccinations up-to-date before traveling. For further information, visit the Center For Disease Control website.

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE
Air France, Delta, Lufthansa, Continental, Czech Airlines are among airlines that can be used for this trip. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to try to use Frequent Flyer Miles for free tickets or upgrades or the American Express Platinum card 2-4-1 program.

MINIMUMS
All departures are guaranteed on a minimum of 2 participants. A Coda Tour Manager will accompany the group on a minimum of 10 guests.

Inclusions
- 3 nights at the hotel in Budapest
- 3 nights at the hotel in Prague. Accommodation is with breakfast
- arrival transfer with guide in Budapest - airport/hotel
- dinner in a nearby restaurant (within walking distance)
- half-day city tour of Pest by bus with guide; entrance to Parliament Building
- half-day city tour of Buda by bus with guide; entrance to Matthias Church
- transfer with guide to train station in Budapest
- transfer with guide from the hotel to train station
- first class train ticket from Budapest to Prague
- transfer with guide from the train station to the hotel in Prague
- AM orientation city tour by bus with guide
- walking inspection of Prague Castle incl.entrance fee
- lunch at Prague Castle area
- guide at disposal full day in the Old Town
- entrance fee to Jewish Quarter incl. Old New Synagogue
- dinner in a fine restaurant in the Old Town
- within walk from the hotel
- departure transfer by bus with guide from the hotel to the airport
- Coda Tour Manager with minimum participation of 10 guests

Exclusions
International & intra-tour airfares (if applicable). Visa and passport expenses. Meals not mentioned in the itinerary. Drinks with meals unless specified. Trip interruption & cancellation insurance. Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes, wireless service and gratuities to guides and drivers.

VIENNA PRE-TRIP EXTENSION

Day 2 - TUE jun 7 - Arrive Vienna
Arrive Vienna and upon arrival transfer to the Altstadt Hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey or to introduce yourself to this lovely city. Your hotel is conveniently located to the main commercial district of Vienna. Stroll Kärnterstrasse and watch the daily routine of the Viennese. Stop for coffee at the Naschmark, a lively market located in the gay neighbourhood where there are many nice cafés & shops.
Hotel Altstadt Hotel
Room Matteo Design rooms
Meal Breakfast

Day 3 - WED Jun 8 - Vienna Walking tour
After breakfast, depart for a tour of the Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthistoriches Museum) to see the highlights of the extraordinary Habsburg’s art collection. The afternoon is at leisure to visit the Imperial Apartments & Treasury of the Hofburg or one of the many superb museums of the city. At cocktail hour, take a tram to the gay-owned Café Savoy, 6, Linke Wienzeile, with its ornate ceilings, fringed lamps and huge mirror (rumored to be the largest in Central Europe) is mixed gay-straight by day, mostly gay at night.
Hotel Altstadt Hotel
Room Matteo Design rooms
Meal Breakfast

Day 4 - THU Jun 9 - Vienna for tour of Schoennbrunn and Belvedere Palaces
After breakfast drive outside the city to Schönbrunn Palace, the sumptuous Baroque palace built in 1700 and inhabited by the Habsburg’s and Napoleon from 1805 to 1809. Continue to Belvedere Palace and an interior visit of the Austrian Collection, including Klimt, Waldmueller and Spitz. The rest of the day is at leisure. Vienna is full of exciting museums. Try the new MuseumQuartier, a trendy area where some of Vienna's great museums are clustered. Check out MUMOK (Modern Art), Leopold Museum (Austrian Modern Art) or Vienna's Kunsthalle, presenting contemporary exhibitions. Suggested lunch venue in the “Museum Quarter” at the gay restaurant/bar “Halle E” , a currently popular restaurant in Vienna.
Hotel Altstadt Hotel
Room Matteo Design rooms
Meal Breakfast

Day 5 - Fri Jun 10 - Vienna - Train to BUDAPEST
After breakfast, transfer to the train station for the train to Budapest. Upon arrival, transfer to the Corinthia Hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Hotel Corinthia Hotel
Room Standard
Meal Breakfast

Rates

INCLUDED:

* Transfer in from the airport
* Guide for walk in the city
* Entrance to Hofburg and Kunsthistorische museum
* Guide for half day city tour by minivan or minibus
* Entrance to Schoenbrunn and Belvedere
* Transfer hotel/train station with guide
* Three nights at the hotel Altstadt Matteo Design rooms with breakfast